Dierdorff, Ladley on USASA team

Steamboat downed by illness, injury, Indians

The Steamboat Springs High School boys basketball team fell victim to bad timing last weekend. After playing its best ball of the season Feb. 17 and 18 in road wins at Rifle and Glenwood Springs, the Sailors succumbed to injuries and illness in the opening-round of the state tournament Friday.

Teens on Tour program outing March 10 and 11
The city of Steamboat Springs' Teens on Tour program is holding its next outing March 10 and 11, when teens will take a shuttle to Denver. In Denver, they will shop at Colorado Mills mall, eat dinner at Fat City and have the opportunity to play laser tag, bumper cars, roller skate, bowl or play miniature golf, among other activities. On March 11, the teens will swim in the hotel pool and visit the Denver Aquarium.

Swedish students visit for three weeks through exchange

Todd Lodwick's comments denigrating his teammate on the Nordic combined squad were despicable. Apparently, Lodwick has learned nothing in his four Olympic teams about sportsmanship. Unfortunately, he is just another professional Olympic whiner.

Until recently, I had assumed the City Council was a fair and unbiased body that was interested in upholding legal standards previous councils had implemented. After a year of watching continuing building moratoriums placed on targeted property at the request of a minority of vociferous neighbors with personal agendas, I begin to wonder.

Yampa Valley Partners hosting series dealing with growth

Human resources policies workshop at noon Thursday
The Nonprofit Excellence Project is hosting a workshop on human resources policies for nonprofit organizations from 10 a.m. to noon Thursday in the Crawford Room of Centennial Hall, 124 10th St. The workshop is free, but participants must RSVP; to do so, call Winnie DelliQuadri at 871-8257 or e-mail her at wdelliquadri@ steamboatsprings.net.

People with outstanding tickets could face repercussions

Outstanding parking ticket holders, beware.
The city of Steamboat Springs is targeting people who are on its "scofflaw list," which includes the names of those who have three or more unpaid parking tickets. A "scofflaw" is someone who habitually violates laws.

Saturday, February 25

Just watch out for the bus drivers

It's snowing lightly on a winding mountain road somewhere between Cesana and Oulx, Italy, as I make my way -- by bus -- back to my hotel after another day of covering Nordic combined skiing at the 2006 Winter Olympics.

Marc Holtzman last week became the latest politician to grandstand about illegal immigration. Holtzman, a Republican candidate for governor, gave a stump speech Wednesday in Steamboat Springs in which he praised the work of the volunteer Minutemen on the border between the U.S. and Mexico, said illegal immigration has created a state of emergency in Colorado, decried the hundreds of millions of dollars the 400,000 illegal immigrants are costing the state and fretted that our insecure border would allow Mideast terrorists to "shave their beards" and enter the U.S.

It wasn't the ending Todd Lodwick deserved.
What he deserved would have been taken straight from the plot of a Walt Disney movie, with Lodwick coming from behind in the final 50 meters of the Nordic combined sprint to win gold. Finland's Hannu Manninen would have been right on his heels.

Lodwick, coach look past skiing

For more than 12 years, Todd Lodwick has refused to let the U.S. Nordic combined team fail.
"We can all be struggling, and Todd is the guy who can wake up in the morning, get pissed off and go out and kick some butt," teammate Bill Demong said. "I realize that it is time for one of us, or both of us, or all of us, to step up and do that for ourselves."

Olympian Caroline Lalive recovering from skiing accident

Caroline Lalive's nightmare began Jan. 25, when she heard a pop and found her left kneecap halfway up her thigh.
Sitting in shock on the side of a downhill course in Cortina, Italy, Lalive thought about her childhood dream -- an Olympic gold medal.

Yampa resident taps creative side to start her own business

She's lived in Yampa for three and a half years, but Karen Tussey still gets emotional when she tells the story about what first brought her to the quiet South Routt town and what she saw when she got there.

Regional forum at Carpenter Ranch
On March 9, Yampa Valley Partners will host the first of several forums aimed at developing a strong, focused and flexible approach to the challenges brought by growth in the Yampa Valley.

TIC offers summer camp to teach youths about construction

At some summer camps, children and teens learn how to build s'mores.
At the Summer Construction Institute put on by The Industï¿½--rial Company, or TIC, teens learn how to build careers in the construction industry.

Strong season expected to continue into the weekend

Thursday, February 23

Local rockers In-Cog-Nito release debut CD

Stringed instruments of all kinds hang on the walls and lie on the floor. Recording equipment, amps and speakers are piled in corners, topped with crushed Coors cans beneath vintage concert posters and a hip-swinging Elvis cutout.

Residents participate in 34th annual Steamboat Dance Theater show

New venue to host juggling, music show

Steamboat Springs audiences will get a free taste of vaudeville Saturday night, when the Steamboat Springs Mountain Theater hosts an evening of dazzling juggling interspersed with musical sets of jazz, funk and classic rock.

Humane Society offering $30 off spayings, neuterings
The Routt County Humane Society is promoting Tuesday's Spay Day USA with $30 discounts on pet spayings and neuterings. A limited number of slots are available, and the Humane Society encourages pet owners to call their veterinarian to schedule an appointment. People who qualify as low-income can receive additional discounts. Call 879-RCHS.

9:24 a.m. A Florida woman reported that her purse was stolen at a business in the 500 block of Lincoln Avenue. The woman told police she had about $1,000 in her purse, making the theft a felony. A report was taken.

Hayden students finish cross-country program

Officers remind area snowmobilers to remain in-bounds

U.S. Forest Service officers cited about 20 snowmobilers, warned 75 others and attempted to serve six arrest warrants to those who were caught violating new boundary regulations on Rabbit Ears and Buffalo passes last weekend.

Luckily for Johanna Shaw, it was hard to stay upset when there were a couple of goofy Italian guys at the bottom of the women's parallel giant slalom course who were wearing top hats and funny tuxedos and waiting to take a picture with her.

American snowboarder Rosey Fletcher seemed on track to win a gold medal Thursday in front of a large and enthusiastic crowd at the Melezet Ski Area in Bardonecchia, Italy. But she insists she wasn't thinking about the final result.

Special jumper overcomes injury, makes Olympic return

A love of flying brought Alan Alborn back to the ski jumping hills after leaving the sport in 2004. It has been hard work that helped him climb back to the top of the American team after a knee injury last season nearly ended his jumping career.

Former Steamboat Springs Winter Sports Club skier gunning for Vancouver in 2010

Practice makes perfect.
At least that's what The Lowell Whiteman School graduate Ryan St. Onge was saying to himself after failing to make the finals of the Olympic men's aerial event Monday night in Sauze d'Oulx, Italy.

Oak Creek expected to approve interim employee tonight

The Steamboat Springs Police Department wants to question Jose Garcia Ramos regarding an incident that occurred Jan. 7. Ramos is thought to be a 24-year-old Hispanic man who stands about 5-foot-4 and weighs about 145 pounds. He has dark hair and eyes. If anyone knows the whereabouts of Garcia Ramos, call Routt County Crime Stoppers at (970) 870-6226.

Tyler Jewell's hopes met at Turin -- just by competing in games

Tyler Jewell knew long before he stepped into the starting gate that Wednesday would not be an ordinary day.
"It's been a very difficult road, and that's what makes it so special to be here now," Jewell said. "If everything had happened so easily, this would just be another day ... I followed my heart through thick and thin, and it all worked out."

The Steamboat Springs Little League Association has created new age divisions for the upcoming season to promote balanced competition among 13- and 14-year-old players. It also established a new 15- and 16-year-old team. The new 13- to 14-year-old age group (junior league) has been established to allow players to continue to develop skills before entering the senior league (15- and 16-year-olds). Age divisions will consist of senior league (15-16), junior league (13-14), major league (11-12) and minor league (9-10).

Sanctuary home sells for $1.3M at absolute auction

It wasn't a Presidents Day sale, but about a dozen bargain hunters had their sights set on a good deal Tuesday.
Eleven people bid on a 4,600-square-foot house in the Sanctuary subdivision during an absolute auction Tuesday in Steamboat Springs.

Take it slow over the train tracks.
Although that sounds like a common-sense statement, a review of vehicle-train collisions on Routt County railroad crossings throughout the past 30 years shows that most of the collisions occurred during winters such as this one, when snow or fog, darkness and freezing temperatures are prevalent.

Hayden eyes rematch with Grand Valley

After a 54-35 win against West Grand on Saturday, the Hayden High School boys basketball team will get another crack at Grand Valley, the team that handed the Tigers three of their five losses this season.

The Today asserts that Walgreens should be approved for the simple fact that the developers have successfully negotiated the "big-box" ordinance review and done as the Steamboat Springs City Council asked. In short, the Today is arguing that because the developer correctly checked off the boxes of the planning process, thus empowering the City Council to have it built "our way," then it should get the thumbs up.

Todd Lodwick's Nordic combined career came to an end Tuesday in Italy when he finished ninth in the sprint event. Like so many times before, Lodwick finished ahead of every other American but short of his elusive goal -- an Olympic medal.

11:26 a.m. A man on the Yampa River Core Trail reported two cars parked on the trail blocking the path. The man told police he had seen people sledding in the area and said the cars might belong to the sledders.The sledders and cars were gone when officers arrived.

Developers may be required to include affordable options

Sunday, February 19

Soda Creek Elementary School fundraiser earns $1,500

Some campaign promises do come true.
Keegan Weekslynn, a fifth-grader at Soda Creek Elementary School, told his schoolmates in November that if they elected him president of student council, the school would have a skiing and snowboarding fundraiser in the winter.

Steamboat Springs man measuring life one small engine at a time

Jim Pavlik is one of the most popular people in Steamboat Springs this winter. By my count, he has more than 1,000 good friends who depend heavily on him. Yet, he carries their burdens easily and always has a smile on his face.

Special jumper overcomes injury, makes Olympic return

A love of flying brought Alan Alborn back to the ski jumping hills after leaving the sport in 2004. It has been hard work that helped him climb back to the top of the American team after a knee injury last season nearly ended his jumping career.

Alice Madden meant what she said.
A Democrat from Boulder, Madden is the majority leader in the state House of Representatives. When she announced Wednesday that she will not run for governor to replace term-limited Bill Owens -- ending speculation that heated up after Denver Mayor John Hickenlooper decided not to run two weeks ago -- Madden cited a need to spend time with her family as a reason for the decision.

Lily Grace Frinks, daughter of Alison and Russell Frinks of Steamboat Springs, was born at 6:10 p.m. Feb. 9, 2006. She weighed 6 pounds and 8 ounces and was 19 inches long. Her grandparents are Sue Fraser and Geoffrey Henson of Kirkby Mallory, United Kingdom; and Donna Frinks and Marshall Frinks of Tallahassee, Fla.

Former principal signs on as substitute

The students brought him back.
Dave Schmid, former principal at Steamboat Springs High School, has returned to the public school system as a substitute teacher. The Steamboat Springs School Board hired Schmid during its Monday meeting, and he already has taught shop class at the high school for one day.

Steamboat boardercross racer's medal hopes fade

Erin Simmons tried to put on her game face as she talked with reporters after the second round of qualifying in the women's Olympic snowboardcross event Friday, but she could not hide her disappointment.

On Friday night, Coy Letlow and Tim Taylor were lying on their backs within several feet of each other, taking deep breaths with shirts over their heads. Within five minutes, the two Hayden wrestlers ended their season at the Colorado State Wrestling Championships.

Thursday, Feb. 16
4:39 a.m. A person in the 200 block of Old Fish Creek Falls Road reported a loud group of people partying and fighting. When officers contacted the group, they cited two people for underage drinking and arrested two 20-year-old men on failure to appear warrants.

Nonprofit Excellence Project hosts roundtable
The Nonprofit Excellence Project is hosting a free funders roundtable from noon to 1:30 p.m. Thursday in Centennial Hall, 124 10th St. Participants will hear from local funding agencies about their grant and loan-funding programs, and will have the opportunity to discuss a potential loan- or grant-funded project or program. To RSVP, or for more information, call Winnie Delliquadri at 871-8257 or e-mail wdelliquadri@steamboatsprings.net.

Carmen Louise Anarella, daughter of Kate Krautkramer and John Anarella of Yampa, was born at 6:01 a.m. Feb. 9, 2006. She weighed 6 pounds and 12 ounces and was 21 inches long. Her siblings are Sarvis and Truman Anarella. Her grandparents are Bob and Cathy Krautkramer of Steamboat Springs and Carol Anarella of Rochester, N.Y.

4-time Olympian says teammate 'dragged down' U.S. squad

Steamboat Springs native Todd Lodwick, competing in his fourth and final Olympics, vented his frustrations Thursday after the U.S. finished a disappointing seventh in the Nordic combined team competition.

Nina Rogers discovered Shirley Valentine on a whim.
Rogers was performing with a troupe in Steamboat Springs when she ordered a variety of scripts in hopes of finding a play that would spice up the group's performances.

Steamboat snowboarder just misses quarterfinals cuts

Erin Simmons tried to put on her game face as she talked with reporters after the second round of qualifying in the women's Olympic snowboardcross event Friday, but she could not hide her disappointment.

Native American Masterpieces from the Pleasant Collection

The elegant design of the Pima woven basket, with its repeating lizard design, is stunning at first glance. But it takes a deeper understanding of the skills that went into the creation of the basket to fully appreciate it as a work of art.

¤ An artist's reception with Thomas D. Mangelsen is from 5 to 9 p.m. Saturday at the Images of Nature Gallery, 730 Lincoln Ave., in downtown Steamboat Springs. The reception will feature collections of work from Mangelsen's trips to Antarctica and Alaska as well as photos from the Rocky Mountains, the Tetons and the Hudson Bay area in Canada. Mangelsen also will talk about some of his most recent travels. Call 871-1822.

Steamboat freestyle skier ends career without another medal

Four Americans qualified for Wednesday night's freestyle skiing mogul finals at the Sauze d'Oulx venue, but there would not be a golden finish for any of them, including Steamboat Springs' Travis Mayer.

Lodwick vents frustration about team selection

Headed into the 2006 Winter Olympic Games, the biggest question about the U.S. Nordic Combined team was how competitive it could be in the team event.
On Thursday, that question was answered, and it wasn't the response many hoped for.

Parking lot ice a growing issue

Like ice across town, concerns about the Strawberry Park school complex parking lot keep getting thicker.
At a meeting of the Steamboat Springs School Board on Monday night, three school district bus drivers -- along with Michael Loomis, a former School Board member and bus driver -- reiterated their concerns about the icy, snow-packed, "chaotic" parking lot between Strawberry Park Elementary School and Steamboat Springs Middle School. Loomis said the area is "an accident waiting to happen."

The city of Steamboat Springs is looking for applicants to serve on the Historic Preservation Advisory Comï¿½--mission. The commission meets from 5 to 7 p.m. on the second and fourth Mondays of each month. The commission provides guidance, education, resources and review to preserve, protect and restore the elements of the built, natural and cultural environment that define the character of Steamboat. The commission needs applicants in professional positions such as architects, historians, archaeologists and architectural historians. Other interested applicants also should apply. For more information or an application, call 871-8215. Applications also are available at www.steamboatsprings.net.

10:47 a.m. A 19-year-old Steamboat Springs man was arrested on suspicion of driving with a defective tail lamp, driving with expired temporary tags, not having registration or insurance for the car and driving without a valid driver's license near Walton Creek and Whistler roads.

Monday, February 13

Olympian Tommy Schwall of Steamboat Springs doesn't have to worry about winning a ski jumping medal in Pragelato, Italy, this week because he already received a bag full from South Lakewood Elementary School in suburban Denver.

Hannah Teter and Gretchen Bleiler took an unusual path to the Turin Games.
They skipped the X-Games -- the premier showcase of the world's greatest snowboarding for nearly a decade -- so they could rest and prepare for the Olympics. Such a move would have been unheard of eight years ago, but it paid off handsomely Monday: Teter won a gold, and Bleiler won a silver in the halfpipe competition.

The 138 members of next year's senior class can breathe a little easier.
At its meeting Monday night, the Steamboat Springs School Board approved a plan that will provide more ways for students in the Class of 2007 at Steamboat Springs High School to adjust their schedules and fulfill graduation requirements now that the Senior Odyssey program is an elective.

Funder's round table from noon to 1:30 p.m. Feb. 23
The Nonprofit Excellence Project is hosting a free funder's round table from noon to 1:30 p.m. Feb. 23 in Centennial Hall, 124 10th St. Participants will hear from local funding agencies about their grant and loan-funding programs, and they will have the opportunity to discuss potential loan- or grant-funded projects or programs. To RSVP or for more information, call Winnie Delliquadri at 871-8257 or e-mail wdelliquadri@steamboatsprings.net.

As some people were taking advantage of the 94-inch base at the summit of Mount Werner, others were having a great time watching the action on the eight inches of packed power on Lincoln Avenue in downtown Steamboat Springs.

Spirit of 2006 Winter Games thrives in Steamboat's local athletic contests

On a perfect Winter Carnival Sunday in Steamboat Springs, when the blue of the Colorado sky surpassed even that of the Italian Alps, it was a tough call on where to spend the afternoon. I found a good dose of the Olympic spirit at the Steamboat Touring Center, where the Sweetheart cross-country ski race was under way.

The days when brides wore only billowy white dresses have passed. "Anything goes this year," said Gale Loveitt, a custom dressmaker at Sew What in Steamboat Springs. "There are a lot of tans, off-whites and colored waist bands on white dresses. Anything is fair game this year, so it's pretty interesting."

Rhonda Corriveau knows the worst gift she ever received: a fondue set. It was the 1970s, and the trendy crockery sets were all the rage. But despite the popularity of fondue sets, Corriveau didn't want one.

If you're planning a wedding, you won't want to forget to consider the hairstyle and makeup that will make your look complete. Sometimes, people forget that they need to take care of hair and makeup, said Kim Johnson, owner of the Steamboat Springs salon Hair's to You.

Sophisticated video-editing equipment, broadcast-quality portable cameras and easy-to-burn DVDs are among the developments that have elevated the craft of shooting wedding videos. And Northwest Colorado is home to seasoned professionals who have the skills and experience to bring a story-telling quality to your nuptials.

In the months before your wedding, the planner you hire will witness everything from family fights to last-minute jitters, making the choice of wedding planners one of the most important decisions you will make while putting together your special day.

It used to be that wedding invitations were standard fair, with little variation.
But with technological innovations, soon-to-wed couples are able to personalize their invitations while choosing from hundreds of varieties and styles.

It is hard to come to Steamboat Springs and not make a return trip. With its gorgeous scenery and warm hospitality, Steamboat is more than a desirable vacation destination. For many couples, it's the perfect spot for a fairytale wedding.

When it comes to planning a wedding, brides and grooms even have to pick the icing on the cake. There are hundreds of combinations of cake, filling and icing flavors available from local bakeries to customize the nuptial dessert. Local bakers said they can make nearly any design a customer can dream up.

Stagecoach's Red Hawk division may give county needed results

It may not be the only solution, but Routt County Planning Commissioner John Ayer thinks the Red Hawk development in Stagecoach is an example of one of the tools the county can use to address the need for affordable housing.

Tricia Dunn-Luoma scored a 5-on-3 shorthanded goal and captain Krissy Wendell added two of the Americans' four third-period goals, leading the U.S. Women's Hockey Team to a 6-0 win against Switzerland.

A 24-year-old Steamboat Springs man was arrested Satï¿½--urday on suspicion of breaking into a home to commit a robbery that resulted in a resident being stabbed, police said. Another suspect was at large Saturday night.

Colorado Group Realty has announced that Izabela Banas has joined the firm. Banas earned her MBA from the University of Colorado and has been a resident of Steamboat Springs for 10 years. She is a co-owner of the Nordic Lodge Motel. She sits on the Board of Directors of the Steamboat Springs Chamber Resort Association and Main Street Steamboat Springs.

The buzz surrounding Wayne Gretzky and his reported knowledge of a gambling ring will not be a distraction to Canada's high-powered hockey team, Canadian Olympic Committee president Michael Chambers vowed Saturday.

It's no secret that many Routt County high school graduates never pursue four-year degrees. It's also no secret that some local students leave their respective high schools without receiving a diploma.

After reading the recent editorial in the Steamboat Today, I thought I would add my observations. Although the editorial correctly identified the current parking problem at Yampa Valley Regional Airport, and its proposed solution does have some historical basis, I think the overall airport management has a more systemic problem that goes beyond the "Parking Gate" scandal.

Winter Carnival street events continue

Only in Steamboat Springs can you find people dedicated enough to stand in sub-zero temperatures to watch ski-clad children being towed down Lincoln Avenue by horses and listen to a skiing high school band.

Three Steamboat relationships endure through the decades

The search wasn't for buried treasure, but it was equally intriguing and arguably more priceless. In a world in which "irreconcilable differences" can end vows, what is the secret to making a marriage last?

Benjamin Grey Barbier, son of Anne and Ben Barbier of Steamboat Springs, was born at 4:38 p.m. on Feb. 1, 2006. He weighed 7 pounds and 15 ounces and was 19.25 inches long. His sibling is Sidney Barbier. His grandparents are Gil Barbier of Steamboat Springs; Joanie Barbier of Salida; Gloria Smelker of Albuquerque, N.M.; and Charles Smelker of Ruidoso, N.M.

Evan Keanu Ellis, son of Jason and Renee Ellis of Stagecoach, was born at 5:49 p.m. on Feb. 3, 2006. He weighed 7 pounds and 5 ounces and was 19 inches long. His sibling is Jadyn Ellis. His grandparents are Catherine and Ron Ellis of Glen Haven, Colo.; Louise Howe of East Haven, Conn.; Bill and Diane Russell of Houston; and Keith and Laurie Sutherland of Gaylordsville, Conn.

Noah James Pike, son of Justin and Michele Pike of Craig, was born at 8:21 a.m. on Feb. 1, 2006. He weighed 5 pounds and 14 ounces and was 19 inches long. His sibling is Bailey Nichole Pike. His grandparents are Dianna and Mike Murphy of Hayden and Jim and Patty Pike of Fruita.

Chad Hedrick cut through the ice in his first Olympic race -- arms swinging furiously, body gently swaying, mouth hanging open. When he crossed the line, flipped back his hood and caught a glimpse of the scoreboard, it was time to let out a Texas-sized yell.

Maybe this is the team and the time.
Up in the Alps, the superpower everybody wants to knock off is Austria. And as improbable as it would have seemed just a few years ago, the United States is the popular choice to do it.

Friday, February 10

If built, a proposed people-mover gondola from the Meadows Parking Lot to the base of the Steamboat Ski Area would differ significantly from the gondola that ferries skiers and snowboarders to the summit of Thunderhead.

Sybrandt faces punishment for array of other charges

One year and one day after a 31-year-old Clark man was arrested on suspicion of breaking into a Steamboat Springs office and fondling a woman, a jury of eight men and four women found the man guilty of unlawful sexual contact, second-degree burglary, false imprisonment and violating a protection order.

Excessive amounts of snow and ice have turned the high-traffic parking lot between Strawberry Park Elementary School and Steamboat Springs Middle School into a potentially dangerous area, school bus drivers and district officials say.

Chad Hedrick cut through the ice in his first Olympic race - arms swinging furiously, body gently swaying, mouth hanging open. When he crossed the line, flipped back his hood and caught a glimpse of the scoreboard, it was time to let out a Texas-sized yell.

He's been bumped a few times and wears a flak jacket during the rutting season, but Tom Cox never has been attacked or otherwise feared for his safety when working with the elk on Routt County's M&M Ranch.

Art event
¤ An opening reception for "Elements of Landscape," an exhibit at Studio Gallery 27, is from 3 to 7 p.m. Saturday. The reception is preceded by an all-day open house. The exhibit closes March 5. Call 879-6114.

Tonight
¤ The Yampa Valley Boys and Brad Fitch perform songs by John Denver
When: 7 p.m. today and Saturday
Where: Steamboat Springs Mountain Theater
Cost: $15
Call: 846-0578
Why you should go: There are so many puns here. I'll go with the basic and just say to experience that good ol' Rocky Mountain high.

Public benefits must outweigh environmental concerns

Steamboat resorts benefit from increased travel

Steamboat Springs' resort lodging properties will be more than 85 percent full for Winter Carnival this weekend, when 13,300 visitors are expected to arrive. After a projected mid-week slump Wednesday, mountain condominiums will be more than 90 percent full for Presidents Day weekend, from Feb. 18 to 20.

Historic designation applications due Wednesday
Applications for the Routt County Register of Historic Properties are due to the county commissioners' office (second floor of the courthouse annex) by Wednesday. The applications will be reviewed by the Routt County Historic Preservation Board at its quarterly meeting March 8. Call Dee Bolton at 879-0108.

The city of Steamboat Springs is asking walkers and drivers to be safe.
The city's Public Works Department is working to inform people about walking and driving with care. The informational effort may develop into an organized program, said Jim Weber, the city's director of public works.

What to look for in Turin

It's hard to believe that freestyle skiing has been an official Olympic sport since only 1992, when Nelson Carmichael and Donna Weinbrecht grabbed the hearts, and more important the attention, of a new breed of skier in Albertville.

It has been Turin's fate -- curse? good fortune? -- to be depicted not by foreigners (who gravitate south) but by transplanted Italians (Calvino, Cesare Pavese) and native sons and daughters (Primo Levi, Natalia Ginzburg).

A project that has been in the works for a couple of years will have to wait a little longer for approval or denial.
The Steamboat Springs City Council on Tuesday voted 6-1 to table making a decision on the development plan for the Riverwalk project along Yampa Street, which would have 72 residential units, 11 deed-restricted affordable units, 35 hotel rooms, more than 32,000 square feet of commercial space and 108 underground parking garage spaces.

Schools' production of 'Hansel and Gretel' this weekend

The Hayden Planning Comï¿½--mission will be presented with more details about two proposed hotels and a home center at its meeting Thursday, but plan approvals aren't likely until additional engineering is complete.

Monday, Feb. 6
8:28 a.m. A Dalmatian was running loose in the 1000 block of Merritt Street. Neighbors said the dog had been running around the area for two days. The dog was gone when officers arrived.

Two exhibits opening at Depot Art Center
The Steamboat Springs Arts Council presents two art exhibits that will run through March 12 at the Depot Art Center. One of the exhibits, "Locations of Consciousness," is by three Eagle Valley artists and printmakers who explore the experience of place, in themselves and in relation to their environments. The second exhibit features paintings by new artist member Amanda Adare.

I am writing in response to the recent and past news articles concerning the Yampa Valley Air Ambulance service. First, I thank the Steamboat community for the support and compassion I have been given during the past year. I am grateful to be alive and recovering from my injuries. I was the sole survivor of the fatal air ambulance crash that killed my partner and flight director Dave Linner (RN); pilot Tim Benway; and Jennifer Wells (RN). After the past 12 months of anguish, loss, grief and therapy, I am putting my life back together -- literally and figuratively.

The theme is perfect.
In honor of the community's Olympic tradition -- past and present -- the Steamboat Springs Winter Sports Club selected "Steamboat's Own Winter Games" as the theme for the 93rd Winter Carnival.

Comunidad Integrada seeking volunteer treasurer
Comunidad Integrada is looking for a volunteer advisory board member to serve as treasurer of the organization.andidates must have at least three years of board management experience, three years of acï¿½--ï¿½--counting or financial management experience and a passion for intercultural exchange and understanding. panish-speaking skills are not necessary. Call 846-5521 for more details.

Members of the Steamboat Springs School Board gave an unofficial go-ahead Monday night to a transition plan for school district computers, but they raised several concerns about the plan's effectiveness.

Buffaloes take advantage of Howelsen's hospitality

The University of Colorado Buffaloes ran wild during the Laura Sharpe Flood Memorial Ski Invitational on Friday and Saturday in Steamboat Springs, but that didn't stop a pair of local skiers from riding high in the slalom.

Blowing snow prompts officials to close pass
Severe weather conditions led to the closing of Rabbit Ears Pass most of the day Sunday. The pass, which was closed from 8 a.m. to about 4 p.m., was affected by high winds and zero visibility, especially on the east side, said Jeff Snyder, the Colorado Department of Transportation's supervisor for Grand and Jackson counties as well as part of Routt County. Snyder said snowdrifts were piled across U.S. Highway 40 near mile marker 55, on the east side of the pass.

Super Bowl commercials teach valuable social lessons

The most valuable player in Super bowl XL wasn't wearing shoulder pads and a helmet. The most valuable player was an aging rock star clad in black jeans and a black shirt with sequins. Mick Jagger stole the show from Big Ben and the Bus.

Houston Mader's season changed Jan. 19.
The Steamboat Springs High School wrestling team was hosting Palisade and Eagle Valley in a triangular, and Mader's mindset that night -- and for the rest of his sophomore year -- flipped.

When Nicola Jane Reynolds thinks about her home city of Chiredzi, Zimbabwe, she remembers the sunsets.
"Life is so much slower there," said Reynolds, 18, as she recalled climbing hills in undeveloped bush land to watch the sky. "It makes you count your blessings so much more."

Skiers and snowboarders seem to be getting the message.
Despite increased vigilance on the part of the Steamboat Ski Area ski patrol, the number of skiers and riders stopped for reckless skiing this winter has decreased by about one-third from previous seasons.

This letter is regarding Sunday's editorial in support of Main Street Steamboat Springs. The Main Street concept is a good one, but when Steamboat's Main Street group uses intimidation, as it has, to accomplish its goals -- that is very bad.

The report this week that a 52-year-old Littleton man was arrested at the Steamboat Ski Area on suspicion of assaulting a teenage girl after a mild collision on the slopes underscores the importance of the ski resort's "SlopeWise" safety program.

8:37 a.m. A fire destroyed a maintenance building in the 31000 block of East U.S. Highway 40. The building was on a residential property east of the base of Rabbit Ears Pass. A 62-year-old man who had been working in the building before the fire was taken to the hospital for minor injuries, including burns to his face, minor cuts and smoke inhalation. He was released later that day. Investigators with Steamboat Springs Fire Rescue are investigating the cause of the fire.

Wren Lovett, an English as a Second Language teacher for the Steamboat Springs School District, commended Alpine Bank this week for its donation of $500 for the purchase of language learning books for Steamboat Springs High School.

Volunteers give teens time, energy, fun

Cold air and hot springs make for a great water slide.
"It's so steamy, you can't see anything when you're inside it," Mirko Erspamer said this week at the Steamboat Springs Health and Recreation Center, moments after rocketing down the tubular slide into a hot pool. "You don't know where the end of the slide is until you're in the water."

Lodwick prepares for his final Olympics

Cade Michael Salyer, son of Alison and Mike Salyer of Steamboat Springs, was born at 11:17 p.m. Jan. 28, 2006. He weighed 7 pounds and 7 ounces and was 21 inches long. His grandparents are Foy and Colleen Salyer of Loveland and Frank and Carol Allen of Havana, Fla.

Jace Dean Gregory, daughter of Marcia and Jody Gregory of Oak Creek, was born at 11:57 p.m. Jan. 26, 2006. She weighed 6 pounds and 14 ounces and was 19.25 inches long. Her grandparents are Don and Elsie Fast of O'Neill, Neb.; Tom Gregory of Oak Creek; Judy Eskridge of California; and Charlie and Lorraine Gregory of Oak Creek.

Kalob Wade More, son of Amanda and Leslie More of Hayden, was born at 7:40 a.m. Jan. 24, 2006. He weighed 6 pounds and 15 ounces and was 21.25 inches long. His grandparents are Becky and Wayne More of Steamboat Springs and Sharon and John Warner of Steamboat Springs.

McKayla Kaylynn Kiniston, daughter of Chad and Crystal Kiniston of Craig, was born at 8:05 p.m. Jan. 17, 2006. She weighed 7 pounds and 4 ounces and was 19.5 inches long. Her siblings are Junior, Brandon and McKenzie. Her grandparents are John and Monique Martin of Hayden, Charlie Russell of Lamar and Lita Russell of Arizona.

The Steamboat Springs Arts Council is presenting two new art exhibits that will run through March 12 at the Depot Art Center. One of the exhibits, "Locations of Consciousness," features three Eagle Valley artists who explore the experience of place in themselves and in relation to their environments. The second exhibit features paintings by new artist member Amanda Adare.

The Steamboat Springs Post Office is holding a passport fair from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday at its downtown location, 200 Lincoln Ave. The post office also accepts passport applications on weekdays throughout the year.

Thursday, February 2

Railroad Earth defies classification

Something about the way Railroad Earth wanders from one musical genre to another makes the band an easy target for comparison. Because the members cannot be quickly slipped into one category, it's easier to point out who they sound like, which changes with every song.

Gypsy punks perform
I first read about the band Gogol Bordello in a New York Times feature article about how cool it is to be Russian in Manhattan these days. There was one line about a Ukrainian gypsy punk band, and it stuck with me forever. Ukrainian gypsy punk ... it sounded so, well, me.

The South Routt School Board no longer has a vacancy. Gary Miller, a small-business owner and member of the Routt County Planning Commission, will fill the District 5 spot left open by the resignation of former School Board president Hank deGanahl, who left his seat in November.

Barbi Bonfiglio grew up listening to the ranch stories her grandparents told.
In Oak Creek, the ranching lifestyle is a part of daily life for many -- and a lifestyle that is passed down from generation to generation.

The Steamboat Springs City Council voted unanimously Thursday to accept police allegations that six local businesses sold alcohol to a minor in December. The vote sets the stage for upcoming show-cause hearings, during which each business presents its case before the council determines appropriate punishment.

Tonight
¤ The opening reception for work by Jay Moore, Al Krnc, Rick Jackson and Barry Eisenach is from 5 to 8 p.m. at the Wild Horse Gallery in the lobby of the Sheraton Steamboat Resort. Call 879-7660.

Candidate wants meth crackdown

Congressional candidate Scott Tipton said Wednesday that his opponent is not doing enough to fight methamphetamine use in western Colorado.
"We have a plague of methamphetamine," said Tipton, a Cortez businessman who is campaigning for Congress aga-inst U.S. Rep. John Salazar, a Democrat from Manassa.

Steamboat senior joins Rangers soccer program

Tuesday, Jan. 31
12:51 a.m. Police officers warned a man in Gondola Square to leave his intoxicated girlfriend alone. The man's girlfriend reportedly wanted to leave the area, and the man would not let her go.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Association has developed a new naming system for winter storms, but Routt County residents will haveto continue to rely on existing, descriptions for storms such asthe one passing over the area today.